There’s always a steady flow of new books arriving at RCUK, from Bradley Wiggins’ Tour de France diary to veteran pedal-journo William Fotheringham’s Cyclopedia. The latest to land on our desks is from author Bella Bathurst, whose work, The Bicycle Book, is released on April 4, priced at £16.99 and published by Harper Press.

“Two wheels. A frame. Two pedals. What could be simpler than a bicycle?” reads the inside cover. Well, as we know, if only it was that simple. In the 306 pages that follow, Bathurst looks to unravel the mythology surrounding the humble bicycle. Not a potted history as such, more a series of stories – whether historical, anecdotal or those akin to an adventure novel – which bring the bike to life.

“From the bicycle as a weapon of warfare to the secret life of couriers and the alchemy of framebuilding,” continues the Harper Press blurb.

“With a cast of characters including the woman who watercycled across the Channel, the man who races India’s Deccan Queen train and several of today’s top cyclists, she [Bathurst] offers us a brilliantly engaging portrait of cycling’s past, present and world-conquering future.”

Sound intriguing? We’ll have a flick through and let you know how it reads.